National Green Business Competition – Albania

By supporting innovative, local sustainable economic development initiatives, Green Business Competition aims to substantively contribute to building a peaceful, competitive, and prosperous Western Balkans and Greece region.

The program is providing financial support and targeted assistance to selected ideas and businesses that are offering innovative solutions and contribute to the achievement of the following seven (7) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region of Western Balkans, namely:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 7: Clean Energy. Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
• SDG 13: Climate Action. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 15: Life on Land. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

The Green Business Competition works on the principles of environmental responsibility, ethical conduct, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, not dependency for the purpose of promoting the well-being of local communities, by boosting entrepreneurship and enabling people to understand and take control of their full potential.

The Green Business Competition in Albania is financially supported by Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Tirana Bank, Credins Bank and Kastrati Group.

Purpose

• The aim of the Green Business Competition is to support business initiatives that promote social inclusion, through integration and employment, and local economic development through environmentally friendly ideas.

Financial Support Any proposal submitted under this call, should fall under one of the following lots:

• Lot 1: Business Ideas at Conceptual Stage
  • This lot refers to business proposals that are in a conceptual/ embryonic phase, and that have not been registered yet. The fund will support business proposals for a period from six (6) to nine (9) months, with a maximum of funding of no more than 500,000 ALL.
• Lot 2: Businesses in Pre-Seed Stage
  • This lot refers to business proposals that are already in the market, in the early stages of development, but existing for no more than 3 years. The fund will support business proposals for a period from six (6) to nine (9) months, with a maximum of funding of no more than 800,000 ALL.

Who can apply?

• The competition is open to:
  • Individuals. Individuals are not eligible to apply in LOT 2. In case the business proposal is selected for funding, it would be required for it to be registered as a legal entity before the funding agreement is signed and funds are released. The legal form chosen is up to the individual and it should be foreseen in the business proposals.
  • Social Enterprises with a maximum positive balance of 2,000,000 ALL.
  • Small business ventures with a maximum annual profit of 2,000,000 ALL.
  • Non-profit organizations with a maximum positive balance of 2,000,000 ALL.
• Application Criteria for Business Ideas at Conceptual Stage (LOT 1):
  • The idea is in the conceptual phase, the products or services are not yet present in the market;
  • The idea relies primarily upon local resources, including the employment of local people and utilizing traditional skills;
  • The idea has a vision or action plan for environmental sustainability;
  • The idea has a plan for economic viability and/or incremental growth;
  • The idea has an innovative approach and valuable social impact;
  • The idea has assessed the local market and is aware of its competitors and comparative advantages;
  • The idea is innovative and unique compared to other businesses and initiatives in the community;
  • The idea is having a focus or contributes to one of the listed SDGs 2, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 15.
• Application Criteria for Businesses in Pre – Seed Stage (LOT 2):
  • The business is still in the early stages of development, the products or services are present in the market for a period no longer than three years;
  • The business relies primarily upon local resources, including by employing local people and utilizing traditional skills;
  • The business has a vision or action plan for environmental sustainability;
  • The business has a plan for economic viability and/or incremental growth;
  • The business has an innovative approach and valuable social impact;
  • The business has assessed the local market and is aware of its competitors and comparative advantages;
  • The business is innovative and unique compared to other businesses and initiatives in the community;
  • The business is having a focus or contributes to one of the listed SDGs 2, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 15.

For more information, visit AlbaniaTech.